Measles

Measles can be a very serious illness and is extremely infectious from 5 days before the rash appears until about 5 days afterwards. Typical symptoms include fever, tiredness, sore red eyes, cough and a widespread red blotchy rash. If someone gets measles, they can easily infect other people in contact with them who are not fully protected

Serious complications of measles infection can occur, such as ear infections resulting in hearing loss, bronchitis/pneumonia, convulsions, and in rare cases, encephalitis or meningitis. Complications are much commoner in pregnant women (who may miscarry), babies, and those with immune system problems

How do you get measles?
Measles is highly infectious and you catch it by being in close contact with someone who already has the infection. The virus is passed in the secretions of the infected person’ s nose and throat and is spread by sneezing and coughing. It is possible to catch measles from direct contact with articles, such as tissues, which have been contaminated by these infected secretions. MMR vaccine if given within 72 hours of contact with Measles may prevent you acquiring the disease

How can you tell if you are protected against Measles?

• People who have had measles in the past are fully protected, and will not get it again. (Unfortunately there are many other illnesses that resemble measles, and many people who were told they’ve had measles – especially since the introduction of MMR vaccination in 1988 – actually had something else)
• People born before 1970 are likely to have natural protection from having been exposed to measles as a child
• People who have had two doses of the MMR vaccine are very unlikely to get measles (less than 1% of people are vulnerable to measles after two doses of a licensed Measles-containing vaccine such as MMR)

How can I tell if I need an MMR (Mumps/Measles/Rubella) immunisation?

• If you are not fully protected against measles, mumps, and rubella, and you were born after 1969, you need to be vaccinated with two doses of MMR. We can give these to you free of charge – make an appointment with a nurse
• If you are not certain that you have received two doses of MMR it is better to have an extra dose than to risk not being fully protected. The exception is pregnant women, who must not receive MMR. Pregnant women who are in contact with cases of measles should seek advice from their doctor

Do you need to stay off school/college/university/work if you have measles?
Yes, measles is infectious from just before the symptoms first occur and for approximately 5 days after the appearance of the rash. The advice is to stay off school/college/university/work for 5 days from the date the rash first appears

Can measles be treated?
There is no specific treatment for measles but an appropriate medicine to help bring down a high temperature should be used (though do not use aspirin in children). For a very high temperature, sponge down with tepid water

Why should we protect children against Measles?
Measles is a highly communicable viral disease with fever, conjunctivitis, sore throat and cough. Measles used to kill hundreds of children in the UK each year, as it still does in countries unable to immunise their children. TODAY’S UNIMMUNISED CHILD WILL BE TOMORROW'S UNPROTECTED ADULT

The MMR vaccine (Mumps/Measles/Rubella)
There has been a lot of media attention given to MMR vaccine, often of an alarmist nature. Autism and Crohn’s Disease have been attributed to the use of MMR. All parents and health professionals involved in the MMR programme need to be confident that MMR is effective and safe. It is important to remember that events that occur together or within a short space of time are not necessarily related to each other, i.e, they are a coincidence - one may not be caused by the other. There is good evidence that a single dose of MMR vaccine, given after 12 months of age, protects about 95% of those immunised. A second dose brings the level of protection up to around 99%

You may find the following web sites particularly useful:
NHS Immunisation web site - www.immunisation.nhs.uk
Department of Health - www.doh.gov.uk
World Health Organisation - www.who.int/vaccines
Centre for Disease Control, USA - www.cdc.gov/nip/vaccine/mmr/default.htm

This leaflet has been produced specifically for students: Immunisation advice for new students

Source: Health Protection Agency

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Last revision: September 2011